11-06-2003 06:21									#1
	Zboard Keyboard Gaming Interface for Civilization III Increase the size of your Attachments

I was curious if anyone had purchased this yet? I remember seeing it being announced several months ago.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...ronics&n=172282

Here is an article about it:

http://gamenews.pcvsconsole.com/view.php?news=1611

quote: Zboard System Unleashes New World of Gaming and PC Interaction 2003-01-09 | posted by Chairman Steve Ideazon Announces Zboard System At the International Consumer Electronics Show Ideazon, designer and developer of next-generation keyboard systems, announced the Zboard today at the International Consumer Electronics Show. The Zboard is a two-piece interchangeable keyboard technology that revolutionizes interaction with the PC. It serves as a vital extension between PC and user by making the experience of playing computer games or working with an application increasingly intuitive, easier to learn and more enjoyable. Through intuitive commands and customized keyboards, it offers a distinct competitive advantage and enhanced user experience. PC users can now play harder and work better. The Zboard system, developed and manufactured by Ideazon is comprised of a base and interchangeable keyboards, and is customizable for any PC game or application. Out of the gate, Ideazon is partnering with major gaming publishers to release custom interfaces for the Zboard including Age of Mythology from Ensemble Studios and Microsoft Game Studios and Medal of Honor by Electronic Arts. Fans of these games can now improve their performance and master a higher skill level. Serious gamers can fine-tune their game-playing skills through programmable keys and instantly recognizable controls that eliminate the requirement for complex keystroke sequences. An avid gamer can learn maneuvers mastered by the pros. “We are very excited to be unleashing the Zboard system with industry leading games such as Age of Mythology and Medal of Honor. This is a great testament to the innovative technology we have created,” said Ideazon President, Ron Hulse. “The Zboard system brings keyboard customization to new levels, combining low cost and design flexibility. We are extremely confident the Zboard system will become a “must have” accessory to complement today’s best known software in both the gaming and application worlds." In addition to gaming releases, Ideazon is simultaneously launching Zboard interfaces designed to perform with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Adobe Photoshop as well as Microsoft Internet Explorer. Users can take advantage of multiple shortcuts to learn these popular applications faster and improve proficiency with easy-to-master technology. The Zboard system is one-of-a-kind in the marketplace. The user simply snaps the keyboard of their chosen application into the base and launches directly into the program with the touch of a button. The easy-to-understand layout accelerates the learning curve for those who are learning new applications and can be designed to work with any office application ranging from graphic design programs to simple text editing software and the Internet. The keypads are designed with the unique needs of the user in mind, taking into consideration every possible gaming maneuver or task to be completed while working in documents, on projects or surfing online. The keyboards are mapped to equip everyone from gaming enthusiast to PC user with the tools they need to work better or play harder. The suggested retail price of the Zboard base is USD$29.95 and USD$11.95 for the basic base model designed for use with Microsoft Internet Explorer and Microsoft Office applications. The suggested retail price of the interchangeable keyboards for Age of Mythology from Ensemble Studios and Microsoft Game Studios and Medal of Honor by Electronic Arts is USD$14.95 each. The suggested retail price of interfaces designed for use with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel applications is USD$19.95 and USD$29.95 for the interface compatible with Adobe Photoshop. Ideazon is preparing to release additional keyboard interfaces designed for a variety of titles in the gaming and application markets. Ideazon’s Zboard system and its accompanying interchangeable keyboard interfaces will be available through major retailers in early 2003. Ideazon can be found at booth # 35007G at CES in Las Vegas from January 9-12, 2003. SOURCE: Ideazon